Education programs conducted outside of school
Who needs a blue card?
Volunteers and trainee students need a blue card if their work includes, or is likely to include, providing services directed mainly towards children, or conducting activities that mainly involve children, as part of:
- an alternative education program to allow a student who has been suspended or excluded to continue his or her education under sections 286(2), 291 or 304 of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006, or
- an alternative education program to allow flexible arrangements for a student under sections 182 or 183 of the Education (General Provisions) Act 2006,
unless an exemption applies.
Police officers and registered teachers do not apply for a blue card and should instead apply for an exemption card under this category if they are providing child-related services which are outside of their professional duties. Read more about applying for an exemption card (PDF, 231KB).
Find out more about the application process for disability service providers (PDF, 287KB)
If you are a state government employee there are specific application forms which can be obtained from your Department's HR or Screening area.
Who doesn't need a blue card?
A blue card is not required if the person is a:
- volunteer guest of a school or recognised body and are:
- observing or supplying information or entertainment to ten or more people, and
- the activity is for ten days or less on no more than two occasions per year, and
- the person is unlikely to be alone with a child without another adult present.
- volunteer at a national or state event organised by a school or recognised body:
- for a sporting, cultural or skill based activity, and
- the event is attended by more than 100 people, and
- the work is for ten days or less on no more than two occasions per year, and
- the person is unlikely to be alone with a child without another adult present.
There are certain people who do not require a blue card under this category, including:
- Registered teachers will not require a blue card or an exemption card if they are an employee of a:
- state school
- non-state school
- higher education entity, or
- TAFE institute, statutory TAFE institute or registered training organisation.
- Registered health practitioners, if the work they are doing with children and young people relates to their function as a registered health practitioner, and
- A child under 18 years of age, unless they are a trainee student doing a practical placement as part of their studies with an education provider.
Examples of people who do not need a blue card...
- Volunteers at school camps or school-related activities conducted outside of the school setting (this work falls under the Schools - employees other than teachers and parents category).
If you require a blue or exemption card under this category you will need to complete and submit an application form.
Last Updated: 30 June, 2014
